§ 83. Mr. Ogdenasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what part his Department has played in the organisation of the Commonwealth Arts Festival to be held in London, Liverpool, Cardiff and Glasgow between 16th September and 2nd October, 1965; and what support will be given by Her Majesty's Government to this venture.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe responsibility for the organisation of the Commonwealth Arts Festival is in the hands of the Commonwealth Arts Festival Society.
Her Majesty's Government are supporting the venture in several ways. It was announced in this House on 28th November, 1963, that Parliamentary approval would be sought for a Government guarantee against a loss for the Festival for up to £80,000 and certain sums towards preliminary expenses have already been advanced. There has been a remarkable response from other Commonwealth Governments to invitations to take part in the Festival and, following representations from the Society, the question of an increase in the guarantee is currently under consideration.
In addition, our High Commissioners and British Council representatives overseas gave Mr. Hunter, the Director-General of the Society, considerable assistance during his recent tour of the Commonwealth.
We are also arranging through the official information services for the Festival to be given as much publicity as possible overseas.